civic courage
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civic courage
The courage to stand up for one's own convictions or for the rights of others, even when this results in disadvantages or resistance.
Der Passant zeigte Zivilcourage, als er bei dem Überfall einschritt.
The passerby showed civic courage when he intervened in the assault.
'Zivilcourage' (civic courage) is a compound word made from 'zivil' (civil/civic) and 'Courage' (courage, from French). So it literally means 'citizens' courage.'
Zivilcourage ist eine wichtige Eigenschaft in einer demokratischen Gesellschaft.
Civic courage is an important quality in a democratic society.
'Zivilcourage' (civic courage) is almost always used with the verbs 'zeigen' (to show) or 'beweisen' (to demonstrate/prove). You can also say that someone 'Zivilcourage hat' (has civic courage) or that it 'fehlt' (is lacking) in them.
Er hat große Zivilcourage bewiesen, als er dem Opfer half.
He demonstrated great civic courage when he helped the victim.
'Zivilcourage' (civic courage) is an uncountable noun. It is therefore usually used without an article when speaking about it in general.
Es braucht Zivilcourage, um gegen die Meinung der Mehrheit zu sprechen.
It takes civic courage to speak against the opinion of the majority.
courage
'der Mut' and 'die Zivilcourage' both have to do with brave behavior. 'Mut' is the general word: you need courage when facing danger, fear, or difficult decisions. 'Zivilcourage' is more specific. It means courage in social or public life, when you stand up for other people, for justice, or for your convictions. Learners may confuse the words because 'Zivilcourage' is always a kind of 'Mut'. But not every kind of 'Mut' is 'Zivilcourage': for an exam or an operation, you would usually say 'Mut'; when intervening against injustice, you would usually say 'Zivilcourage'.
Die Frau zeigte Zivilcourage, als sie im Bus gegen die Beleidigung einschritt.
The woman showed civic courage when she intervened against the insult on the bus.
Nach langer Angst fand Max den Mut, mit der Ärztin zu sprechen.
After a long period of fear, Max found the courage to speak with the doctor.